Hackney Author Kevin Flude will tell the story of his father, Benjamin, who was born in Haggerston in October 1927.

Ben was born into a working class family who lived in two rooms in Lee Street by what is now Haggerston Station on the Windrush Line. The family were umbrella and stick makers. Ben’s father “upscaled” to be a Aircraft Rigger for the Royal Flying Corp and later the RAF at Croydon Airport. After the war he worked for Imperial Airways. His wife was a cook and then canteen manager of the Old Street Bovril Factory. But he died suddenly of a perforated duodenal ulcer plunging the family into poverty.

The talk will include experiences of everyday life working, playing and living in pre-WW2 Hackney. The talk will end with a brief discussion of Ben’s experiences of evacuation, disrupted education, and the beginnings of a new life after World War 2.

This event is free.